Born To Fight Chapter 2

By Seravy

By the time Agrias returned home it was at least five hours later then her
usual time. Agnes Plintal, mistress of the cottage, was not a bit happy about
her daughter's tardiness and with the help of her husband, spent a good hour
screaming, yelling and beating the eight year old until they were both too
tired to say another word or move their reddened hands. Usually the girl
would be sobbing by now, but tonight, her eyes were dry without a squeak
of pain leaving her throat. The couple simply dismissed this awkward behavior
as stubbornness but not without another set of spankings, coloring their
other hand red.

After leaving a stack of hay with an order to weave until not a straw was
left, they left to visit dreamland while Agrias spent the entire night weaving
hay into baskets, who had a little trouble sitting on the wooden stool. Though
the pain made crying tempting, but Agrias was sure that knights, especially
Sir Rantoul, do not shed tears so she held onto them and after peeking at
the crest, the desire stopped altogether.

Night soon became daylight and the sleepy sun stretched its lazy rays across
the land of Ivalice. Another start to a miserable and dull day but with a
hopeful heart instead. Agrias stood up from the repetitive and boring task
then stretched her numb limbs. After splashing her face with water and fully
awake, she gathered the freshly woven baskets and brought them to the cart
outside. Not wanting to face her mother's wrath so early in the morning,
she left early while hiding the leftover straws in the bush on her way, taking
extra care not to let the door creek as she closed it behind her.

As she walked through the forest to her usual destination, Agrias ran through
her plan once again, which she formed that very night (and day) of monotonous
weaving. She was going to make extra baskets to save gil. Combined with the
two gold coins, she should have enough in another two to three years to travel
to Gariland Academy, instead of the local one. If she was going to become
a knight, might as well aim higher. It will be quite some time before that
day will arrive but until then, Agrias had steadied her will to endure whatever
that will stand in her way.

'I'll train hard and become a knight and kiss this hell goodbye. I'm going
to fight wars, save princesses and help innocent people.'

Cleaning the land of bullies suddenly popped into her head so she added that
to her to-do list as well.

'And I'm never going to marry and lean on a man for support. The soon-to-be
bestest lady knight in Ivalice can take care of herself.'

Getting married and having kins simply wasn't in Agrias's agenda. Though
this was common for almost all female commoners, she was determined to live
a life totally different and break the trend. There was no way she'll follow
the same footsteps as her mother. At that thought, she shivered and reminded
herself that she had to keep in shape, never gossip or yell or be greedy
or nosy or witchy or gamble or anything her parents were.

Counting the Plintal couple's flaws was more then enough to pass time and
soon, Agrias was there, once again, at the entrance of the gates of Hell.
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes as she recalled every word of
Sir Rantoul; his teachings and especially the last sentence he said before
leaving.

'Pride and honor...kick their sorry cowardly arses the next time I see them
for Sir Rantoul.'

Taking out the crest, she planted a short kiss on it for luck, straightened
her posture, raised her chest then marched with dignity into the village.

Since she had arrived early this time, Agrias was able to secure a good place
which was known as "hot spots". The streets were still a little quiet so
she decided to save her breath to yell later in the day and though the noble
knight taught her not to abuse her powers, she couldn't help it but to feel
a little excited for the bullies to arrive. Just a little though because
a knight must never start a senseless fight. Unless their enemies start the
fight of course.

"I can't believe you still have the guts to show your ugly face again, Agri-ASS."

The long awaited insult finally arrived.

"Of course I would show up. If a coward who pissed his pants dared to show
his face, I don't see why I can't." She replied plainly.

One of the boys blushed and quickly yelled back to hide his embarrassment.

"I'm going to kick your arse for that, Ask-you-ass! and this time, there
is no monster to save ya!"

"The only arses that are going to be kicked are yours!"

All three of them came running to Agrias, their punches ready, yelling a
battle cry. Just as the knight had instructed, she moved to the left so she
was at the side of the farthest boy. She diverted that boy's strength like
she did to the thief using a rested hand on the stretched arm but as he fell
forward, a knee awaited his guts and down he came, holding his stomach in
pain. Reflectively, the boy next to her first victim sent another punch towards
her face. Agrias quickly ducked the punch then sent an uppercut into an open
chin. Without thinking, she bent down low and swept her leg at her remaining
enemy's ankle; the same weak spot that her mentor taught her. The boy lost
his balance and fell straight on his back as his head landed with a loud
thud.

"My name is Agrias, pronounced Agree-US. Not Agri-ASS or Ask-your-ass. I
could be beating you right now but a knight must have an open heart, so I
will forgive you this time but the next I doubt."

Agrias calmly walked away to her cart, trying to sound indifferent though
her heart was thumping with triumph and joy. Finally, for once, she walked
away victorious without bruises or injuries.

The boys quickly scrambled to their feet, each yelling their share of
I'll-get-you next-times and other various threats. The winner simply shrugged
and started her usual lines of selling baskets but with real enthusiasm and
liveliness. The more these baskets sell, the faster she gets out of here.
The day soon ended and she returned home to do her chores; cleaning the house,
washing dishes and clothes, weaving baskets, being scolded and beaten.

The next day, the bullies returned with reinforcements. She was outnumbered
five to one with the other two unfamiliar faces much bigger and taller then
the usual three stooges. They called themselves "The Manly Hellers". It was
a mess. Hands, feet, punches, kicks were thrown ruthlessly in the crowd of
fighting children and the chaos did not end until all were whimpering or
crying on the ground, except one. Agrias got a black eye, a sprained wrist
and ankle but of course, she made sure that each of them walked away with
a good amount of damage as well. The extra spankings and scolding were inevitable
but she still felt good inside. She stood up for her pride and did not back
down.

Since Agrias was no longer the push-over she once were, the boys could only
hurt inanimate objects and other unfortunate passing animals. They still
called her names but nothing else which made business increase significantly.
Life continued like always except the dream which she desperately kept close
to her heart and everyday, her collection grew little by little and her dream
came closer and closer.

One day, returning from town, a carriage was stationed outside of the little
cottage on the countryside of Lionel. There were noises coming from the inside
of the large metal box, pulled by four chocobos that sounded like crying
and a bit of whimpering. Agrias got a little creeped out by the eerie sounds
and decided to ignore it. She opened the door to her home, ready to do her
usual chores but stopped when she saw two tall muscular men standing there,
as if waiting for her.

"That's the little runt."

Her mother pointed a fat finger to the bewildered girl and one of the men
walked over to Agrias. He started to examine her from every angle, poking
her arms and legs, which made her feel really uncomfortable and after while
he finally stopped.

"100 gil."

"Sold." Replied her mother as a pouch was thrown on the table with the
distinctive sound of coins clashing.

Agrias realized what was happening and tried to run but with a large stride,
the man caught her then threw her lithe body over one of his hard shoulders.

"Yes, I can!! I bore you, so I have every right to do whatever I want with
you!"

Her still newborn dream was killed in an instant, ripped from her heart.
Three months of saving and hard work became a total waste.

"Let me go! I still have to be a knight! You can't do this! Damn you! Damn
you all!"

Agrias struggled but against the solid power of the man, it was entirely
useless. They took her to the carriage and when the metal clasps were unlocked
in the back, she realized what the strange sounds were; as the light hit
into the box, a crowd of shaking children sat there with their knees tucked
tightly to their chests. With a tug, Agrias was thrown into the group as
well and she fell hard against the cold metal. The door closed with a loud
thug and darkness engulfed her.

The carriage started to move and it felt really bumpy. The children's sad
soft cries and the unknown fate which awaited her shook her entire being.
Total darkness which disabled her vision scrambled her mind. This was fear.

Scared, Agrias started to bang against the metal, hoping that it'll open
and set her free, free to find her dream, but to no avail.

"It's useless. Don't you think we would have all escaped if that had worked?"

The voice was young and a bit higher then her own. Agrias didn't bother to
answer but acknowledged its meaning by stopping her throbbing fists and quietly
took a seat in the cage as despair and reality sank in her mind.

****************

A knight was making his way through the thick forest under the scorching
sun with his faithful chocobo. According to one of the villagers, there was
suppose to be a cottage within this green and he followed the given directions
while being roasted alive by the weight and heat insulation of his armor.

'It would be hard for them to part with their kin but I still hope her parents
would agree.'

Finally arriving at the door, Sir Lignel Rantoul was about to knock until
he heard rackets coming from within the house. Some yelling, shouting, things
being shattered. He also distinctively heard some really creative swearing.

'Then again, maybe not.'

Ignoring it, he knocked. And again and again and again, a little louder each
time. After the fifth time, slamming his fist against the wood, the door
finally opened. Sir Rantoul got a good look into the house, which looked
nothing like a home, especially for a little girl. At the back was another
man, obviously drunk, slumped on the ground. He caught himself staring at
the mess so he immediately reverted his attention back to the women in front
of him. He was a bit shocked because the large women and the man looked nothing
like the petite girl.

"Good day, Ma'me. Is this the Plintal's home?"

"Yes, it is. What may I do for you, sir?"

"I'm looking for your daughter, Agrias Plintal."

"My god! Did that thing do something to offend you? Good lord, I swear I
took no part of it. Blame the child! She's been reckless and stupid and foolish
since the day she was born. Spare my husband and I. I knew that beast was
good for nothing so I already sold her, which I should have done long ago.
She does not belong in this family anymore. Go after her only and..."

Selling could only mean one thing. Slavery; a life of torture, hard labour
and death. Sir Rantoul stilled his himself from lashing out at the inhuman
beast.

"Do you know where she is now?"

"No, I don't and I couldn't care less. She's cursed I tell ya. If you're
going after her, I suggest you don't. Whatever it is that the demon had done
to you, she's getting punished for it right now and... "

"How could you! She is your daughter! You sold such a wonderful child for
a lousy bag of gil?!" exploded the knight with disbelief.

Though she was intimidated by the knight at first but his insult brought
out her witch-like personality at full force, speaking shamelessly.

"And why should I keep that gil-wasting-cursed monster? Or were you going
to support her for me?"

"Yes, I was. I was going to take her from this hell and demons like you.
Good day, madame!"

He slammed the door in the mad women's face and quickly got on Pirotoss.
With a kick on the side, the chocobo sped off into the forest once again.

'God, please help me find the little warrior.'

**********************************

Rocking endlessly in the metal prison, Agrias had been sitting there stoically.
For how long she wasn't sure but it must have been days by now. The continual
darkness didn't allow her to distinguish night from day except the temperature
change as the carriage moved. The rocking occasionally stopped and water
would be sprinkled in along with bits of hard bread to feed all the starving
stomachs.

As time went by, the stench increased but none matter. She might as well
starve or die of thirst but somewhere deep in her heart, she still believed
in Sir Rantoul with a faint hope of escaping and her dream coming true. That
is why she tried to capture every drop of liquid that fell her way and stuff
every bit of that stone hard bread down her stomach. She felt the need to
survive. If she died here, it would be truly over.

The swaying stopped once again but this time, no water or bread was thrown
in, except sounds of metal unclasping. A flash of light burst through the
darkness and Agrias had to shield her eyes, unaccustomed to the sudden daylight.

"Get off." Came a gruff voice.

Knowing that in her weakened state she was no match for her captor, Agrias
obeyed, followed by a few others. Metal collars were fastened around each
of their necks and wrists which were extremely uncomfortable. Noticing that
the number had significantly dropped, she turned around to look for the others
and her stomach immediately turned upside down. The stench was not from body
waste but rotting dead bodies scattered in the carriage. Some of those kids
did not make the trip and she felt like vomiting after seeing the disgusting
sight.

Before Agrias could digest the horror she just saw, a tug sent the line of
weary prisoners into motion. Some were older then herself, some were younger
but they were all just children.

After some walking on the hot blonde sand, the man lead them into a dark
stone building that had a large circular bright structure beside it. There
were cheering and roaring coming from there.

On both sides of the stone walls were prisons with metal framed doors that
were checkered in pattern. Inside, sat large dirty gruff men who stared at
the passing children.

Suddenly a scream turned all their heads in front. They each watched in horror
as a square metal piece with a long rod was removed from a child's back and
placed into hot coals. The boy's exposed back still had smoke floating into
the air as he sobbed loudly. A large waterfall of tears flowed endlessly
down his face. The man ignored his cries and simply threw him aside to a
wall like a thing. All the other children started to cry and whimper in fear
as another muffled cheer entered the gloomy dungeon. Agrias was too shocked
to react, trembling and shaking.

One by one, the line shortened as the metal burned its mark into its victims'
back. If a child had long hair, it would be cut.

Soon, it came to her. She was too scared to move forward so the man grabbed
a handful of her hair and dragged her to the executing anvil. With a knife,
he sliced the auburn locks then placed it neatly with the others. Capturing
the collar at the back of her dress, the man pushed Agrias onto the anvil
then ripped the thin material till the left side of her back was bare. Without
a warning, the red hot torture pressed its burning claws into the delicate
flesh. Agrias screamed. The pain seared through her body as she bucked and
thrashed; anything that could get that thing off her.

"Hmm...what's this?" inquired her torturer as he returned the rod back into
the coal.

He picked up the silver chain that hung at the small neck. With a jerk, the
metal tore loose like nothing as the man examined the piece in his palm.

"Give that back! It's mine!" managed Agrias, even though she was exhausted
from pain.

A slap was sent into the small face and with a push, she fell into the other
sobbing, marked children.

"Well, it's mine now."

Agrias glared at him but kept her mouth shut nevertheless.

"It's the crest of Hokuten." Concluded the man.

He showed the crest to his companion beside him.

"The slave must have stolen it from a passing soldier."

"I'm not a thief! A knight gave it to me."

They laughed. Paying no heed to Agrias's claim, the collars and shackles
were placed once again around the children's necks and limbs. With a tug,
burdened feet started in motion, each of their backs throbbing with pain.

As they made their way through the dark hallways, the cheering became louder
and louder from the neighboring building as the halls became a little better
decorated.

"What's going to happen to us?" whispered Agrias to no one in particular.

"Slaves."

It was the same voice from the carriage.

"We're all going to be slaves. They even left the mark on us. Some will do
labor in mines, some will be sold for pleasure, others as preys for the nobles'
hunting games."

"I don't want to be a slave! I want to be a knight!"

"Next life, maybe. Commoners can never be knights much less slaves."

"You're lying!"

"You're a fool but you'll find the truth soon enough for yourself."

As much as Agrias would like to deny it further but deep in her heart, she
knew it was true and the march stopped.

There was a crowd in the front, each in colorful robes and rich accessories,
chattering among themselves. A small group of the children was released from
the restraints then pushed onto the wooden platform at the very front of
the gathering. The little blonde boy on the farthest right was pushed forward.

"The bidding for this blonde slave will start at 1 000 gil."

The amount startled Agrias but it continued to rise as hands rose, yelling
a higher amount every time. Finally, at 6 300, the boy came down and the
leash to his collar was passed to the man in the blue robe. The line moved
forward and soon, she'll be next, bid then sold. As she moved ahead, a spark
of light hit her eyes in contrast to the dull torches that lit this room.
A loud roar of cheers burst beside her ear as she turned her head to the
open entrance beside her.

A man, in thin leather armor ran in fear, scrambling as the lion gained on
him with ease. The beast jumped into the air and onto the man, pressing its
weight into its prey. With a roar, large bloody teeth sank into the flesh.
Rising his head, a big chunk of the man's shoulder was torn ruthlessly off
like a tasty meal and the body became lifeless.

"No! Please, don't send me out there! Please, I beg you!"

Another victim was being pushed towards the opening where Agrias stared.
Dressed in the same leather armor, the old man begged to be spared from the
same fate. It was cruel, the man was barely big enough to fit the armor much
less going against the large animal.

Where's justice? Where's fairness?

'A knight must fight for justice...'

"You can't send him to fight the beast. He's too old and feeble."

Agrias spoke with clarity. She simply cannot let the poor old man die, being
pushed into death while she did nothing to help.

"Does that mean you're going to take his place then, little girl?"

She fell silent, intimidated by the beast herself.

"Then shut up and learn you place, slave."

The mention of slave caught her dignity and the pride that Sir Rantoul taught
her. Impulsively, the fright for the lion left her mind.

"Indeed I will take his place."

The man laughed and shook his head in amusement.

"Yo, Maverick! Did you hear what the slave said?"

"Yes, but you can't, Tom. It doesn't belong to you. This slave have yet to
be sold."

"Alright then."

With a smirk, Tom jumped on the platform where the slaves were being displayed
and in a loud clear tone, he shouted his suggestion.

"Sires and nobles! This slave had volunteered to die! I give 500 gil to watch
its death if you, kind sires, would give up bidding on that slave so you
too can share the view of this wonderful entertainment; a child slave against
a hungry, blood thirty beast!"

"Child, don't take my place. I'm old, you're still young." Said the old slave.

"My conscience does not allow me to back down."

Everyone cheered their agreement, and the other man, Maverick, took the leather
armor and sword from the old man and plopped it on Agrias.

"Don't regret it, slave. You shall pay dearly for your stupidity."

"A knight never backs out of battle." Replied Agrias with fierceness.

"You have guts, slave. If you survive this battle, I'll reward you with one
thing except your freedom for your foolish pride."

Agrias smirked with confidence. She'll show them the power of pride and honor.
That justice shall prevail; that's what Sir Rantoul taught her and she wasn't
about to break her promise and shame her mentor's teachings.

She was shoved into the opening where the full blast of the cheer came from.
All around her people surrounded her who sat high in a circular fashion.
This was the stadium that she saw outside the dungeon.

Suddenly, a low growl caught her attention. Her opponent was now looking
at her, with hunger and anger. Agrias lifted her sword, shifting the oversize
leather armor on her shoulders.

'I'm not afraid. I'm not afraid. I'm not afraid.' She told herself, even
though her legs were shaking and her heart was pounding into her chest, telling
her to run.

Finally, the lion's patience worn down and it came running towards Agrias.
With the same high pounce that it took its last victim, the beast leaped
towards her. Agrias ran with the heavy weight of the sword and luckily, the
attack narrowly missed her.

Furious with its miss, the lion turned to Agrias once again, sprinting towards
her with its mouth wide open. She raised the sword just in time for the beast's
bloody red teeth to smash into the metal but the sheer weight shifted her
balance and she fell to the dusty ground with the lion following her fall.
With another push, the sword broke from its cheap material and half of it
flew into the air, landing on the ground. The lion bit into the broken end
of the weapon and flung it out of Agrias's hands. Just as he was about to
take a final bite into the tender flesh, Agrias ducked into the oversized
leather and the lion only got the shoulder of the armor. Flinging its head
into the air, the armor lifted Agrias along with it. She raised her arms
and she fell out of the oversized protection.

The beast continued to bite and claw at the empty leather, shaking its head.
Agrias took the chance and ran for the broken blade. Realizing the lack of
blood, the lion stopped its torment on the armor as a figure ran past his
eyes. Furious of being deceived, it ran towards Agrias who was just picking
up the handle of the fractured weapon and as she turned her head, she stared
in horror at the airborne animal, in the midst of its deadly leap.

*************

"Remember, Agrias. When a sword is swung, many's instinct is to back up and
allow it space. Instead, try running towards the blade. You'll be able to
catch your opponent in their blind spot where their weapon can't touch you."

************

Instead of running away, Agrias ran towards the pouncing lion until she was
right under it and as it fell, she pointed the broken sword to the belly.
The lion's weight pressed into the sharp, ragged end which penetrated through
the tough skin. The beast let out a loud cry and started to claw aimlessly
on the ground. Under its bleeding body, Agrias started to plunged her weapon
into the lion, again and again, and again until it stopped moving completely.

The crowd watched in silence, waiting for movement in the stillness. Suddenly,
a red figure emerged from under the thick coat. The shock wore off and whispering
began to twiddle in the mass of people.

"The slave had slain the beast..."

"Unbelievable."

"It's a demon from hell!"

From within the dark entrance, Tom smirked greedily for it was he, who had
bought this beast slaying slave and only for a mere 500 gils.

"Looks like I have bought myself a good investment."

Maverick simply leaned on the side as Tom emerged into the crowd to pave
his path for gil.

"A spectacular and unexpected win! As shown, this slave has defeated our
most ferocious beast at Hell's Heaven. This bet will be back again for the
next round! Remember to bet!"

"What's the bet's name?" yelled the crowd, all eager to gamble. Tom thought
for a while then came up with a name.

"Demon's Child!!" he announced.

'Demon's child. Is that who I am?'

The bitterness in her thoughts pierced her soul as she held the bleeding
knife in her bloodied hands. The crowd cheered for the birth of Demon's Child.

"But I want to be a noble knight..." she whispered to herself.

.

To be continued...

I know Agrias is a commoner right now and someone mentioned that a Holy Knight
is most likely a trained noble which she is not...for now. Bare with me,
STUFF will happen.